Test Prep: SAT

SAT Breakdown

SAT Reading

52 questions, 65 minutes

The Reading Test always includes

• One passage from a classic or contemporary work of U.S. or world literature.
• One passage or a pair of passages from either a U.S. founding document or a text in the Great Global Conversation they inspired. The U.S. Constitution or a speech by Nelson Mandela, for example.
• A selection about economics, psychology, sociology, or some other social science.
• Two science passages (or one passage and one passage pair) that examine foundational concepts and developments in Earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics.

SAT Writing and Language

44 questions, 35 minutes

To answer some questions, you’ll need to look closely at a single sentence. Others require reading the entire piece and interpreting a graphic. For instance, you might be asked to choose a sentence that corrects a misinterpretation of a scientific chart or that better explains the importance of the data. The passages you improve will range from arguments to nonfiction narratives and will be about careers, history, social studies, the humanities, and science.

SAT Math

58 questions, 80 minutes

The Math Test will focus in depth on the three areas of math that play the biggest role in a wide range of college majors and careers:

• Heart of Algebra, which focuses on the mastery of linear equations and systems.
• Problem Solving and Data Analysis, which is about being quantitatively literate.
• Passport to Advanced Math, which features questions that require the manipulation of complex equations.

The Math Test also draws on Additional Topics in Math, including the geometry and trigonometry most relevant to college and career readiness.

SAT Prep Resources

College Board Practice Questions: Online practice questions for each section of the test, including the optional essay.

Khan Academy: Free online SAT prep course, in partnership with College Board. Includes analysis of your PSAT scores to create an individualized study plan, feedback on your progress, interactive questions and video lessons, test-taking tips, and 8 full-length practice tests.

Visit the AACo Public Library website: Includes 3 full-length practice tests, an online course, strategy articles, and an online prep book. Your login number is 21997080_ _ _ _ _ _. Fill in your SIF/lunch number at the end. Select "College Prep" and then choose the correct test.

You can also visit our Meade Library!

​We have test-prep books in our College & Career section.